Taxi Drivers

Diesel taxis are a well-documented major source of urban air pollution. LPG can clear up this fleet quickly and cheaply. The problem is national: tightened emissions standards under London’s forthcoming Ultra Low Emissions Zone means that already taxis unable to operate in London are displaced to cities with less stringent emissions standards.

In order to better demonstrate the environmental performance of LPG taxis, we have converted a TX4 diesel to run on LPG.

Independent testing showed that, when running on diesel, the TX4 was did emit worse than Euro 3 emission standards under real world conditions – despite the fact that the taxi, which is a 2010 model, should have been meeting Euro 4 standards.

Why use LPG

Did you know that taxi drivers who use LPG in their vehicles can cut their fuel bills by up to half each month? And as well as saving money at the pumps, they can also help to save the environment.

In 2016, Birmingham City Council began an innovative scheme – The Birmingham NOx Reduction Champions project – which will see 63 black cabs converted to run on cheaper, cleaner LPG fuel in a bid to tackle the escalating air quality crisis in its city.

This Birmingham NOx Reduction Champions project could now prove to be the answer to helping improve air quality in other polluted towns and cities across the UK.

Autogas’ new repowered Euro 6 compliant TX4 black cab – which runs on LPG – emits a staggering 80 per cent less NOx emissions compared with a normal diesel powered version in addition to significant reductions in particulate matter.

The cost of repowering an existing diesel powered taxi to LPG costs approximately £8,000 but drivers could recoup the cost of a conversion in less than two years. Drivers can also conveniently refuel from any of the 225 forecourts which already offer Autogas LPG.

Autogas LPG powered taxis are widely used in other cities around the world. For example, 90 per cent of taxis in Tokyo run on LPG and they are also widely found in Hong Kong and Istanbul.

Don't just take our word for it

“I found that passengers liked the idea of being in a cab which was running on LPG fuel because there is a lot of concern about air pollution. I received a lot of comments about how pleased passengers were to be in a taxi which was helping to improve the environment.”

Mr Mohammed Rafaq, who has been driving his taxi in Birmingham for ten years, was the first to trial LPG as part of the Birmingham NOx Reduction Champions project.

“We are delighted to be awarded the Birmingham NOx Reduction Champions Project contract. This is a moment in time that could change the iconic black can that we know and love forever.”

Steve Law, of Harborne Garage – an Autogas approved converter who is working with the council on the Birmingham NOx Reduction Champions project.

“Through the funding the council has successfully unlocked from the Government, we’ve been able to play a part in forming links with technology providers and engineers to come up with part of the solution to one of the city’s major public health issues.”

Anne Shaw, Assistant Director of Transportation and Connectivity at Birmingham City Council.

The cost of autogas LPG, unleaded and diesel fuels per litre displayed and used throughout this website is the UK average taken from petrolprices.com. Please note that the savings calculator is provided as a guide. Actual cost implications should be discussed with the converter/manufacturer of your specific vehicle.